Forensic audit of Osun finances will help Adeleke government - Group

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has been asked to conduct a forensic audit of state finances.

This call was made by The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a coalition of civil society organizations at a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The group, which said it felt it was too early to assess the governor's performance, advised all stakeholders to give him time to settle into governance matters and avoid unnecessary distractions that could end up hampering the fulfillment of his campaign promises. .

Speaking on the state's debt profile of 407.32 billion naira, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the group's chief executive, revealed that the state's finances have generated a lot of controversy, accusations and counter-accusations.

Oyedokun-Alli also maintained that the governor demanded more clarity from the accountant general before going public with the revelation.

He asked the governor not to allow for feelings when managing the state, but rather to allow for more detailed feedback and an objective approach.

“The questions are simple. Who took out which loan? Who approved the granting of the loans? Who spent the loans? What projects were these loans spent on? where they were taken? How far did the state go in servicing these loans? Were there any corrupt practices in obtaining these loans?

“These issues can only be resolved through a forensic audit of state finances and, if necessary, the formation of a commission of inquiry that will engage all past and present stakeholders. is what Senator Ademola Adeleke should do to get all the important facts and then present detailed feedback to the people of the state.”

On the issue of gold mining, he said the group is aware of the reasons why the state government has suspended all mining licenses held by the state government. Osun.

“The Governor, having appointed a committee on mining, should allow the committee to do its work, provide it with a detailed report, and then base his statement on the matter on the facts available. The committee should consider whether or not the former government received royalties from license operators or not? What were the terms of the license lease? What are the current environmental impacts of mining activities and are host communities being adequately compensated? Is there a provision in the law that bequeaths 13% gold derivative to host states?

"As the committee answers the above questions, the Governor will be able to make more informed statements that are sure to be solidly grounded."

He also condemned the struggle for dominance by rival transit unions in state fleets.

"We are aware of reports of the horrific murder of a former state tax collector and other instances of violence. The government must also act quickly and decisively to ensure that the state does not become a war zone.

"All those involved in these illegalities must be apprehended and brought to justice. He must also urgently publicize his policies for the management of parks and transport unions so that the battle for supremacy ends", he added.

Governor Adeleke had disclosed to the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday that the state's debt profile stood at N407.32 billion.

Adeleke accused incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of obtaining loans on behalf of the state after the July 16, 2022 gubernatorial election, with no repayment schedule.

Reacting, the former governor's media aide, Ismail Omipidan, also revealed that the Oyetola administration had never groaned in the four years it was in the saddle.